Prague Half Marathon welcomes fourth-fastest woman in history as Kenyan star aims for record-breaking performance
Prague, Czech Republic:
As the perfect season opener, Lilian Kasait Rengeruk has chosen the Generali Prague Half Marathon — a race known for its fast course and record-breaking performances.
The Olympic and World Championship finalist, holding a personal best of 63 minutes and 32 seconds, will take to the streets of Prague this Saturday with one goal in mind: challenging the event record of 1:04:52 at the Generali Prague Half Marathon.
“I’m still learning to adapt to road racing and city course,” says Rengeruk, a world-class medalist in both road and cross-country championships.
“I know Prague is one of the fastest half marathon courses, but it’s hard to say what suits me best. Maybe we’ll find out after this race.”
Lilian grew up in Kapenguria, a remote area in the Lelan province of western Kenya, near the Ugandan border and less than 100 km from the renowned running hub of Eldoret.
It was in this very region that her role model, Tegla Loroupe — a five-time half marathon world champion — was raised. Loroupe continues to inspire young athletes by organizing an international peace race in the area.
“I grew up with two siblings, raised by my mother as a single parent,” Lilian shares. Her exceptional running talent emerged early during her primary school years, and today, we get to witness her athletic versatility as she takes on the Generali Prague Half Marathon.
Lilian’s favourite food is Indian chapati and goat meat. She enjoys reading novels, and her personal motto is: “Work hard today so you can be even better tomorrow.”
RunCzech organizes running events in several cities across the Czech Republic and Italy and co-organizes a race in Germany together with adidas.
The Prague Marathon was founded in 1995 by Carlo Capalbo, President of the Organizing Committee, with the aim of organizing a world-class international marathon in Prague.
In 2010, the Olomouc Half Marathon became the first race outside of Prague. This marked the transformation of the race series initially organized by Prague International Marathon into RunCzech.
The Napoli Running project is part of RunCzech and organizes three races in Italy. Its flagship race, the Napoli City Half Marathon, is currently the fastest Italian half marathon, holding both the male and female Italian half marathon records.
In 2025, the Prague Marathon will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
In 2019, RunCzech welcomed its one-millionth runner. Throughout its history, nearly 1.47 million runners have participated in RunCzech events.
The largest race is the Prague Half Marathon, attracting 16,000 participants, with half of them coming from abroad.
In 2024, world half-marathon champion Sabastian Sawe set a new course record of 58:24, placing Prague as the 3rd fastest half marathon course in the world.
“All runners are beautiful is our way of genuinely welcoming everyone to the world of running,” the organisers say.
“Initiatives like the RunCzech Running League, SuperHalfs and RunCzech Kings & Queens were created to motivate casual runners. The SuperHalfs series consists of six races — Prague, Berlin, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia. Runners who complete all six races earn a unique medal and the title of SuperRunner.
“The EuroHeroes Challenge was created to support Europe’s elite athletes. Runners must participate in at least two out of four races. The two best results from the four half marathons—Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem—determine the overall winner.”
The RunCzech Racing Team is dedicated to developing young athletes, strengthening community ties, and achieving sporting excellence, with eight world records and 150 podium finishes.
Over its 30-year history, RunCzech has set 10 world records and countless national records. RunCzech also hosts events such as the Bambini Runs and Family Miles for runners of all age groups.
RunCzech has been encouraging youth participation for 27 years through the Junior Marathon Championship, the largest running event for high schools in the Czech Republic supported by the European Commission.
The RunCzech Running Mall serves as the epicenter of the running world in Prague. (RunCzech)
ATHLETE PROFILE:
Lilian Kasait RENGERUK
Born: May 3, 1997
Nationality: Kenya
Events: Half Marathon, 10,000m, 5,000m
Personal Best: 1:03:32 (2024, Valencia) – 4th fastest time in history
World Ranking: 4th (road endurance events)
Track Achievements:
5th place – Olympic Games 2024 (10,000m)
5th place – World Championships 2019 (5,000m)
2-time Diamond League meeting winner
2nd place – World Junior Championships 2014 (3,000m)
1st place – World U18 Championships 2013 (3,000m)
Road and Cross-Country Achievements:
2nd place – World Road Running Championships 2023 (5K)
2nd place – World Cross Country Championships 2024
3rd place – World Cross Country Championships 2017.
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